Are you dreaming about taking aesthetically pleasing photos on your snorkeling trip with your iPhone camera? Luckily, you can take underwater photos with a few workarounds.
To take underwater photos with an iPhone, use a waterproof case and minimize the distance between the camera and the object. Next, open the Camera app, set the photo frame, fine-tune the camera settings, and press the volume-up button.
To make things easier for you, we took the time to write a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to take underwater photos with an iPhone.
Can I Take Underwater Photos With an iPhone?
Apple announced their iPhones to be water resistant after the iPhone 7 was launched, which drove users to believe they could take their iPhones swimming with them.
However, since iPhones are only water resistant and not waterproof, they can be submerged in the water for 30 minutes at a depth of a few meters. Apple does not recommend users to do so as their iPhones are still sensitive despite being water resistant.
Therefore, it is recommended to ensure your iPhone is protected before you take it underwater!
What Is IP67, IP68, and IPX8?
The terms IP67, IP68, and IPX8 are synonymous with being water resistant. They are ratings that describe how protected an iPhone may be when submerged in water.
The first two parts of the term stand for “International Protection”, while the third number indicates how protective the gadget is, with 0 being the lowest and 6 being the highest.
The fourth digit indicates your iPhone’s maximum water resistance, with 0 being the lowest and 8 being the highest. Lastly, the “X” in “IPX8” means that Apple has not rated the device’s protection against water and dust.
Conditions To Take Underwater Photos With an iPhone
Now that you know the basics about your iPhone’s water-resistant qualities, here are a few conditions to consider before taking underwater photos with your device.
Condition #1: Getting a Waterproof iPhone Case
Before taking underwater photos with an iPhone, ensure its protection by getting a waterproof case that suits your needs. Putting your iPhone inside a waterproof case will protect it from scratches and water damage!
Condition #2: Charging the iPhone to 100%
Ensure that your iPhone has been charged fully before you take it underwater, as you may only be able to charge it again once it has completely dried.
Condition #3: Minimizing the Distance Between the Camera and Photo Subject
If the distance between your iPhone camera and photo subject is more than 6ft, the final result may turn out blurry. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the distance as less as possible for higher-quality photos.
Taking Underwater Photos With an iPhone
If you’re struggling with how to take underwater photos with an iPhone, our 3 step-by-step methods will help you do so without a problem!
Method #1: Using the Volume Buttons
Follow these steps to take underwater photos on an iPhone using the volume button.
- Open the Camera app and face the camera toward the photo subject.
- Adjust the photo frame.
- Optimize the camera settings and take a steady picture by pressing the volume-up button.
Method #2: Using an External Flash
You can also take clear underwater photos from your iPhone using an external flash by doing the following steps.
- Connect the Lume Cube AIR 5600 LED external flash to the iPhone.
- Open the Camera app.
- Choose the photo subject.
- Set the photo frame and take a picture by pressing the volume-up button.
Method #3: Using Camera Lens
It is possible to take underwater photos with an iPhone using a camera lens in the following way.
- Attach a wide-angle/fish-eye lens to the iPhone camera.
- Open the Camera app.
- Face it toward the photo subject and hit the volume-up button.
- You will now be satisfied with an aesthetic underwater image!
Summary
In this guide, we’ve discussed how to take underwater photos with an iPhone. We have also discussed the conditions that must be considered before taking underwater pictures.
Hopefully, your question is answered, and you can now take the coolest photos on your snorkeling trip that blow everyone’s mind!
Frequently Asked Questions
To take good quality underwater photos on an iPhone, ensure your flash is always on. Additionally, try turning on ProRAW on an iPhone to shoot RAW images that can be edited to perfection afterward.
Multiple editing apps that can help you amplify your iPhone photography game, including the built-in iPhone Photo Editor, Lightroom Photo & Video Editor, VSCO: Photo & Video Editor, Vivid-Pix, and Dive+.
Sunlight does not reach well underwater; therefore, an external flash must amplify your underwater photography game.
Keeping your photo subject at the center can make the photos bland. Therefore, it is recommended to position your camera at an upward angle.
